Tribunal Did Not Sack Orji Kalu, Only Ordered a Rerun In 2 LGs

There’s been a report that the Election Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, had sacked Dr Orji Kalu as Senator representing Abia North senatorial district.

This is not only false, but totally misleading. The Election Tribunal only ordered for supplementary election in few wards, in just 2 of 5 LGAs.

The Tribunal never ordered INEC to withdraw Kalu’s Certificate of Return, in fact, it gave the distinguished Senator 30 days to appeal the judgement.

In conclusion, Kalu, who is ahead of his closest rival with over 10,000 votes, remains the Senator representing Abia North — and not sacked.

Here are other points you need to note too about the case, and a comprehensive report of the whole development

Abia North: Tribunal Orders Supplementary Poll In Few Wards

The National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, has ordered a supplementary poll in Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State

Abia North is the immediate constituency of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of the state and Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate.

Kalu ran on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 23 general election, to emerge Senator representing Abia North in the National Assembly.

In a ruling delivered on Monday, the Tribunal ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a re-run in few wards, in just 2 of 5 local governments of Abia North, within a period of 90 days.

The Tribunal headed by Justice Cornelius Akintayo, also gave the two-time Governor of Abia a 30-day period to appeal the judgement.

Reacting to the ruling in a statement obtained by newsmen , Senator Orji Kalu urged his supporters not to lose hope, stressing that his mandate would be reclaimed at the Court of Appeal.

Kalu had polled 30,203 votes against his closest rival, Mao Ohaubunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 20,801 votes in the February 23 poll.

While admonishing members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain strong, steadfast and law-abiding, Kalu noted that he will not relent in sustaining his goodwill at the grassroots.

He said that his victory in the 2019 general election, was borne out of his popularity among the people, stressing that “justice can only be delayed, but not denied.”